Harris County Courts at Law Elect New Leaders to Key Roles
In a significant move, the Harris County Courts at Law have elected three esteemed judges to serve in crucial leadership positions. This development marks an important milestone for the county's criminal and civil courts, as these individuals will play pivotal roles in shaping the judicial landscape.New Leadership Takes the Helm
Judges Ashely Mayes Guice and Tonya Jones have been selected to serve as Presiding Judge and Co-Presiding Judge, respectively, for the 16 county criminal courts. Meanwhile, Judge Jim Kovach has been tapped to serve as Administrative Judge for the five county civil courts. These appointments took effect on January 1, 2026.
Presiding Judges' Responsibilities
As Presiding and Co-Presiding Judges, Guice and Jones will be responsible for providing judicial leadership and general administrative guidance to the courts. This includes convening and presiding over judicial meetings, serving as representatives of the courts when interacting with county departments and officials, and overseeing various projects.
Judge Ashely Mayes Guice: A Trailblazer in Her Own Right
Guice's appointment marks her first six-month term as Presiding Judge. She takes over from Judge Erika Ramirez of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 8. With a strong background in law, having graduated from Louisiana State University and worked as a private defense attorney, public defender, prosecutor, and misdemeanor division chief, Guice is well-equipped to lead the county's criminal courts.
A Legacy of Public Service
Guice has made significant contributions to the Harris County Courts at Law. In 2022, she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the vacant County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 bench and served for 11 months. Her dedication to public service is evident in her commitment to serving the community.
A New Era of Leadership
The election of these new leaders marks an exciting chapter in the history of Harris County Courts at Law. With their collective experience and expertise, they are poised to make a lasting impact on the judicial landscape. As they take on their new roles, they will undoubtedly face challenges, but with their leadership, the courts will continue to serve the community with integrity and dedication.
The election of Judges Guice, Jones, and Kovach as leaders in Harris County Courts at Law is a testament to their commitment to public service. As they embark on this new chapter, they will undoubtedly face challenges, but with their collective experience and expertise, they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the judicial system.
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